they are being bounced. From this point of view 3 December
would give us a bit more time. An important factor will be
the date on which Cabinet takes its final decision thus
allowing the process of non-NATO consultation to begin. If
we keep this consultation in diplomatic channels and restrict
the information to what it is essential for each country
concerned to know, the risk of leaks before the Parliamentary
statement is I believe acceptable.
A small pointer in the direction of 3 December is that
the Shah will be in Moscow on the earlier dates. Our Ambassador
believes that he could get an audience for Harold Lever in
the period 30 November to 4 December.
Whatever the date we fix upon, the statement should in
my view appear to be forthcoming but without at this stage
going into the detail of our proposed withdrawals from
specific commitments overseas. It should include the percentage
of GNP to be devoted to defence; manpower and equipment
details; the priority of NATO over our other commitments;
the fact that our proposals clearly involve alterations in
our commitments and that we are talking to our Allies about
these. It would conclude with an undertaking to give further
and fuller details as soon as possible and the offer of a
debate at an early date.
I am/
SECRET
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